Dispensing container



Nov. 26, 1968 T. Q. WISE ETAL 3,412,847

DISPENSING CONTAINER Filed Aprn 11, 196e 2 sheets-sheet 1 ATTORNEYS Nov. 26, 1968 T, Q. WISE ETAL DISPENS ING CONTAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F11ed April 11, 1966 1 A A 1 m mw /mmlw AM .i111 1I 1 1 i1 /U U M 1.1/ 4 1 111 11ML/ 21u 1 11 11 1 11 1111111 1 1w 111 HHH 20d [M jd' 1 3 E... L h \1 1W w m N 21 1 a 7 5 l 3 4 Y VVV 3 /NVENTORS A TTORNEYS 3,412,847 DISPENSlNG CONTAINER Thomas Q. Wise, Naperville, Kenneth Zion, Hickory Hills,

and Harold Kahn, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Stone Container Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Aug. 11, 1966, Ser. No. 571,750 Claims. (Cl. 206-52) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A container for storing and permitting ease in the dispensing of a substantial length of relatively heavy flexible strip material such as television transmission line wire or the like. The container having an outer carton and a material carrying spool assembly mounted therein. The spool assembly including a pair of flange or end members with a hub arrangement positioned therebetween. The hub assembly including an inner sleeve substantially nonrotatably engaged with the flange members, and an outer sleeve telescoped over and supported by the inner sleeve, said outer sleeve being freely rotatable with respect to both said inner sleeve and said ange members. The outer sleeve being adapted to receive and store a quantity of flexible strip material such that said sleeve may be rotated relative to the remainder of the container to permit dispensing of said material.

This invention relates generally to a roll suspension type container for use as a dispenser for coiled wire product, and more particularly, to an improved dispensing container having a novel spool construction for supporting and suspending in rotatable and damage resistance fashion a quantity of coiled wire product.

The invention will be described in connection with electrical conduit for television transmission for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation as to the kind of electrical Wire or other conduit which may be rolled on the spool and dispensed from the container embodying the invention. The TV repairman, for instance, who makes service calls is generally required to carry with him a large quantity of transmission line wire. In most cases the repairman will travel from stop to stop in a car or a small panel truck, neither of which providing an overabundance of storage space. Accordingly, there is a need for material containers that can carry the requisite amount of transmission line, yet take up a reduced amount of space.

The chief diiculty encountered in the design of such a dispenser type container for coiled material is the provision of a compact container that is sturdy, yet inexpensive, and capable of supporting a spool of relatively heavy material in a rotatable fashion for unwinding without binding or freezing of the spool. Another problem of extreme importance in this area is that during both shipping and use the container is subject to rough handling and it is apt to be -dented or otherwise damaged. To be effective the container must be able to withstand this type of treatment and still be able to freely dispense the wire product at the point of use.

Prior to this invention, containers for coiled wire product have been constructed wherein the entire spool assembly was xedly attached to the other box or carton. Thus, unwinding required the insertion of a rod or shaft through the axis of the container assembly and the subsequent rotation of the entire assembly. This operation is undesirable in that it is both cumbersome and time consuming. It was also the practice prior to this invention to rotatably mount the entire spool assembly within the ice outer box or carton. This was accomplished by providing the outer carton with a pair of bearing members which rotatably supported both the spool and the coiled wire product. While this was effective in one respect, the forces acting on the relatively small bearing surfaces were increased by the weight of the spool. The net result was an increase in the drag encountered during the unwinding operation and the increased likelihood of binding or freezing of the spool so that the wire product could not be dispensed.

Still another problem encountered in this type of container was that since the bearing members had to support the entire weight of the spool and the wire product, the amount of wire product that could be carried was limited. Since these containers are generally constructed of cardboard, it can be appreciated that a large amount of wire product on the hub of the spool would place an excessive amount of strain on the bearings for the hub so as to result in undesirable deformation. Once these bearing surfaces for the rotatable spool assembly became deformed or otherwise out of round, the unwinding operation was greatly impeded or prevented entirely since the spool would not rotate freely.

Another problem with the aforementioned type of container was that even a relatively slight amount of damage to the outer box or carton could interfere with the rotation of the spool and thus hinder unwinding of the wire product.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of this invention to provide a container construction for coiled wire product which will substantially eliminate the enumerated disadvantages of the prior art, and yet which is simple to construct from relatively cheap material, and sturdy enough to withstand the impacts occasioned by normal use.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved spool construction which will substantially eliminate binding of the hub on the end flanges of the spool during rotation thereof.

It is `further the object of this invention to provide a new and novel structure for the attachment of a hub member to the blocks or flanged ends of a spool.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art as the description therefor develops hereinafter.

The description of the several preferred embodiments is supplemented by the drawings. Said drawings are `purely exemplary and in no way intended to limit the invention to the disclosed modifications.

The invention will now be described with particular reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. l is a perspective view of the assembled container with wall portions broken away to show the position of the spool and wire product within said container.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view in perspective of the novel spool construction embodying the invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, longitudinal, sectional view taken through the spool of FIG. l.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a moditied form of the spool construction embodying the invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken longitudinal through the hub and flange engagement of the modified form of the invention disclosed in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through still another modified 4form of the spool construction.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the modied form of the spool construction shown in FIG. `6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view in perspective of still another modified form of spool construction with a portion of the hub Abroken away to show the engagement of the tab on the flange member with the hub.

FIG. 9 is `a lfragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken through the spool construction of FIG. 8, taken generally along the line 9--9 of FIG. 8 and in the direction indicated.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the novel container construction comprises an outer box or carton 10 )which may be of any construction or constructed of any desirable material. For purposes of this disclosure, a paperboard or corrugated carton is preferred. The spool of the invention, generally designated 12, is non-rotatably supported in said carton 10 and has a length of coil wire product 13 rotatably mounted thereon.

The novel spool construction can best be understood by reference to FIG. 2. The spool 12 is comprised of two block or flange members 14 which have socket portions 15 formed on their respective inner planar surfaces. Joining each of the flange members is a hub 16 which has its opposite ends received and supported in the socket portions 15 of the respective flange members. The flange members 14 are provided with flat edge portions 18 on the outer periphery thereof. These flat ed-ge portions 18 cooperate with the bottom of the outer carton 10 to prevent rotation of the spool assembly with respect to the carton 10. Means other than that disclosed in the drawings could be used to prevent the rotation of the spool assembly with respect to the outer carton.

Mounted between the respective flange members 14 is the hub 16, said hub comprised of an inner slee-ve 17 having mounted thereon in telescopic rotatable relationship, an outer sleeve 17a. The length of the outer sleeve 17a is less than that of the inner sleeve 17 and correspondingly less than the distance between the inner surfaces of flange members 14, such that said sleeve 17a is free to rotate with respect to the flange members 14 and the inner sleeve 17.

As illustrated in the right-hand portion of FIG. 2, the flange members 14 may =be constructed of sections of flat sheet material that are either folded or stacked one upon the other to provide a relatively rigid member without using any adhesive therebetween. It is further noted that the flange members 14, and the inner sleeve 17 and the outer sleeve 17a which make up the hub 16 may also be formed of a molded plastic material or any other suitable material and of a single ply, as will be explained.

With yreference to FIG. 3, it can be seen, irrespective of the nature of the material used to construct the flange members 14, the socket 15 should only partially penetrate the flange member 14. This partial penetration provides a shoulder or abutment 19 which is essentially the inner end or bottom wall portion of the socket 15. Each end of the inner sleeve 17 is received in the socket 15 of the respective flange member 14 such that the wall portions of socket 15 serve as bearings or supports for the entire hub assembly 16 and the wire product carried thereon. The ends of sleeve 17 are in juxtaposition with the shoulder 19, the shoulder l19 thus serving to confine and align the hub assembly 16 for proper positioning during assembly and use.

Directing attention to the right-hand portion of FIG. 2, there is disclosed the preferred construction of the flange members 14. Each flange member 14 is constructed 'from a plurality of sections which may, or may not, be hingedly connected together. In the preferred embodiment, the flange member 14 is formed from a lblank of sheet material, designated generally 40. The blank 40 has -been cut such that it is divided into a plurality of sections, each section being connected to the adjacent section by line of fold or hinge 42. Irrespective of the number of sections used, the blank will have an outer end section 43 and an inner end section 44 which, when assembled, will form the outer and inner surfaces respectively, of the flange member 14. Thus, the end section 44 which is to lform the inner surface of the flange member 14 is provided with a centrally disposed aperture 45, while the other end section 43 is free from any aperture corresponding to the aperture 45.

Upon assembly, the hinged sections are folded over to form a relatively rigid member without being adhesively secured together. The aperture 45 of the inner end section 44 cooperates with the outer end section 43 to define the `socket 15 and the shoulder 19.

Any number of intermediate sections 46 may be used in forming the blank depending entirely upon the thickness of the sheet material used and the desired thickness of the assembled flange member. Intermediate sections 46 will be apertured if they are to form part of socket 15 and its associated bearing surfaces. Obviously, if the section 45 is to form the shoulder 19 for the remainder of the flange member, no aperture corresponding to aperture 45 will be used. The respective sections of the blank are then folded in alternate fashion, such as shown in the right-hand portion of FIG. 2, to form a completed flange member.

Again referring to FIG. 3, there can be seen means to facilitate the starting of the winding operation. This means consists of an aperture 2) in the flange member 14 which receives a removable pin 21. It can be understood, that in the winding of the wire product on the spool 12 it is desirable to hold the free end of said wire product in place. The winding operation is preferably accomplshed by winding machines known in the art. The machines are constructed so as to support the spool 12 thereon, with the pin 21 of the machine inserted in aperture 20, and the end of the Wire product looped over the pin 21. Thus the winding can be accomplished while the free end of the wire product is held in place and the relative rotation of sleeve 17a with respect to the remainder of the spool is prevented. Upon completion of the Winding operation and removal of the spool 12 from the machine, pin 21 is withdrawn from the aperture 20 freeing the sleeve 17a and the wire product to rotate relative to the remainder ofthe spool 12.

In the assembly of the container, one end of sleeve 17 is inserted into the socket 15 of a flange 14 in abutting engagement with the shoulder 19. At this point, it is preferred that the inner sleeve 17 and the flange member 14 be either glued or in some other Way attached. Next, the rotatable outer sleeve 17a is telescoped over the inner sleeve 17, and the opposite end of the inner sleeve 17 is inserted into the socket 15 of the other of said flange members 14. As discussed above, this end is also glued or otherwise attached to the corresponding flange member, this arrangement positively preventing rotation of the inner sleeve 17 relative to the flange members 14. After assembly of the spool 12, the length 0f wire product to be packaged is wound onto the outer 'sleeve 17a. The spool assembly and the associated wire product is then placed in the outer box or carton 10 with the flat edges 18 of the flange members 14 resting on the bottom of the outer carton 10. Also it is noted that the side walls of the carton 10 closely confine the flange members 14. With this arrangement, it is possible to use a flange member constructed from a folded blank without gluing or otherwise securing the respective sections together.

In the assembled state, it is easily seen that the flanged members 14 and the inner sleeve 17 attached thereto are prevented from rotating with respect to the outer carton, but that the telescopically mounted outer 'sleeve 17a is free to rotate relative to the carton 10 and the remainder of the spool assembly, viz., flanges 14 in the attached inner sleeve 17. It is further noted that the coiled wire product 13 has been wrapped or wound upon the rotatable outer sleeve 17a such that a desired amount of wire lproduct can easily be unwound from the spool by mere pull on the free end thereof, which can be passed through a suitable opening in the side wall of a carton 10. If too much wire product has been unwound, the user need only rotate the coil material in the opposite direction to rewind the excess.

One of the important features of this assembly contributing to its effectiveness is the use of the rotating outer sleeve 17a on a xed inner sleeve 17 that extends the entire length of said outer sleeve and which is positioned on the bearing surfaces of the sockets 15. With this arrangement the entire weight of the concentric sleeves 17 and 17a and the wire product is non-rotatably supported by the bearing surfaces of the socket 15. Thus, the inner sleeve 17 and the walls of the socket 15 are subjected to the concentrated bearing stresses, while the outer sleeve 17a can rotate on the inner sleeve 17 free from the aforesaid concentrated stresses. This is an extremely important feature of this invention since it can be appreciatetd that if relatively small bearing surfaces are used to support the rotating sleeve, the nature of the material generally used is such that distortion and wear is rapid. Once the 4bearing surfaces for the rotating members begin to Wear, the elements become off-centered and unwinding is impeded, if not impossible. With the construction of applicants container, if excessive concentrated forces are incurred, the deformation will take place on the non-rotatable bearing surface of socket 15, and said deformation will have little, if any, effect on the rotatable outer sleeve 17a.

Another of the advantages of the present invention lies in the fact that the use of an inner sleeve 17 attached at its opposite ends to the flange members 14 provide a rigid assembly with fixed positive dimensions. Thus, the telescoped outer sleeve 17a and the associated wire product are free to rotate on the remainder of the spool assembly and are isolated from any blows to the outer carton by the flange members 14.

Inviting attention to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is illustrated a modified form of the spool assembly. In this modification, the spool is designated generally 22 and is used in combination with an outer carton, in much the same manner as the spool 12. The spool assembly 22 is comprised of essentially the same parts as the spool assembly 12, namely, the-.socketed flange member 24 and the hub assembly 26 comprised of an inner sleeve 27 and a rotatable outer sleeve 27a. The spool assembly 22 differs from that of FIGS. 1 through 3 only in the structure provided for attaching the hub 26 to the respective socketed flange members 24.

This modified structure is characterized essentially by the use of tab members 30* on the opposite ends of the inner sleeve member 27 and the use of correspondingly shaped, partial recesses 31 associated with the sockets on the inner surfaces of the ange members 24. Tabs 30 are disposed transverse to the axis of the hub 26, and upon assembly are received in the correspondingly shaped recesses 31 in the flange members 24. As discussed in regard to FIGS. l through 3, the flange member 24 is only partially socketed or recessed so that it presents a shoulder for engaging or positioning the hub 26. This can best be seen in FIG. 5. Also as discussed in regard to FIGS. l through 3, the inner sleeve member 27 and its associated tabs 30 may be glued or otherwise attached to flange members 24. The effect of this arrangement is to more positively insure that the inner sleeve member 27 does not rotate with respect to the flange members 24.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tabs 30 and the recesses 31 are four in number and cooperate to provide a dovetail joint. Obviously, this has been done solely for the purposes of illustration, and any number or shape of tabs or recesses may be used.

In FIGS. 6 and 7 there is further illustrated another modified form of spool construction. This spool is designated generally 32. Similar to the modification of FIGS.

6 4 and 5, the present form of the invention is designed to more effectively insure that the inner sleeve 37 does not rotate with respect to the flange members 34.

In this form of the invention, the inner sleeve 37 is provided at each end thereof with at least two axially extending, diametrically opposed tabs 30. The flange members 34 are correspondingly provided with a like number of slotted apertures 35 which extend completely through the body of the flange members 34. On the outer surfaces of the flange members 34, there is associated with each of the slotted apertures 35 a partial recess 38 adapted to receive extensions of the tabs 30'. This construction can best be seen in the lower portion of FIG. 6.

In assembly of this form of the invention, the tabs 30' are inserted in the slotted apertures 35 until the edges of the inner sleeve 3-7 abut the inner surface of the flange 34. After the members have been properly positioned, the tabs 30 are bent or folded over and disposed in the partial recesses 38. The depth of the partial recesses 38 should be approximately equal to, or greater than, the thickness of the tabs 30 such that a smooth outer surface is maintained on the flange members 34. Obviously, the tabs 30' may be glued or otherwise affixed in the partial recesses 38 to maintain the elements in their assembled state.

In FIGS. 8 and 9 there is illustrated still another form of the spool construction. The spool member is designated generally 52. The present modification is used in combination with a carton the same manner as the previously discussed spool assemblies and is designed not only to insure that the inner sleeve does not rotate relative to the flange members, but also to provide a spool construction that can be fabricated Without the necessity of gluing the respective elements together.

This modified spool construction is best understood by reference to FIG. 8. The spool 52 has two flange members 54, each of which is of double ply and formed from a blank in much the same manner as the previous modications. Each flange member 54 is comprised of an inner or intermediate section 56, and two outer or end sections 58. Each end section 58 is hingedly aflixed to diametrically opposite sides of the intermediate section 56 by integral hinges 60. The respective end sections 58 correspond in shape to one-half of the profile of the intermediate section 56 such that when the respective end sections are folded over they form a ply which is identical in shape to the intermediate section 56. This feature can best be seen by reference to the right-hand portion of FIG. 8. The inner or intermediate sections 56 are provided with apertures or sockets 62, the peripheries of which form bearing surfaces for the respective ends of the hub assembly 66. On the edges of each of the end sections 58, opposite the hinge 60, there are provided tabs 64 which, upon assembly of the flange member 54, are inserted in the aperture 62 and extend beyond the inner face of the intermediate section 56. This can best be seen by reference to the left-hand portion of FIG. 8 and the sectional view of FIG. 9. The width of a tab `64 is less than the diameter of the aperture or socket 62 to thereby provide a space for the reception of the hub assembly. The width of a tab 64 is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the inner sleeve 67, for a specific purpose to be explained hereinafter.

The hub 66 is similar in construction to that of the previous embodiments and is comprised of an inner sleeve 67 and an outer rotatable sleeve 67a telescoped thereover. The outer sleeve 67a is shorter in overall length than the inner sleeve 67 so as to provide exposed portions on the opposite ends thereof. These exposed portions are positioned in the respective sockets 62 of the flange members 54 with the peripheries of the sockets 62 supporting the inner sleeve 67.

Upon assembly, the end sections 58 of one of the flange members 54 are folded over in a manner as illustrated in the right-hand portion of FIG. 8 such that the tabs 64 are in juxtaposition and extend axially beyond the inner face of the intermediate section 56. As mentioned above, the width of the tabs 64 is less than the diameter of the aperture 62 but greater than the inside diameter of the inner sleeve 67. Next, one end of the inner sleeve 67 is telescoped over the juxtapositioned tabs 64 until the ends of the sleeve abut the inner surface of the respective end sections S8 and is received in the socket 62. This is best seen by reference to FIG. 9. Since the width of the tabs 64 are greater than the inside diameter of the inner sleeve 67, the sleeve 67 will engage the tabs 64 with an interference iit and have purchase therewith, serving to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The outer rotatable sleeve 67a is then telescoped over the inner, stationary sleeve 67, and the opposite end of the hub 66 is assembled to the other flange member 54 in the same manner as described above.

The advantages ensuing from this form of spool construction are threefold. First, the interference flt between the tabs 64 and the inner sleeve 67 and the engagement of the ends of the sleeve 67 in the sockets 62 is such that the inner sleeve 67 and the flange 54 are, for the requirements of this invention, effectively prevented from rotating with respect to each other. Secondly, the engagement of the tabs 64 in the opposite ends of sleeve 67 is such that it rigidies the sleeve member 67. Thirdly, the entire spool 52, viz., the ilxedly attached inner sleeve 67 and flange members 54 and the rotatable outer sleeve 67a, is assembled or constructed without the necessity of gluing the respective elements together.

The drawings illustrate the flange members 54 as being constructed of two plies or sections which are of the same thickness as the respective plies of the flange member of FIG. 2. Obviously, the thickness of the material used in forming sections 56 and 58 can be varied depending upon the desired use of the spool assembly. It is preferred to use sheet material of double-wall thickness in constructing the sections 56 and 5S such that the assembled flange member is as thick as, or thicker than, that of the previously illustrated flange members.

The foregoing description is intended to be merely illustrative of the preferred form of the invention and in no way is intended as limitive thereof. It is believed apparent that the elements of the disclosed invention may be varied in shape or constructed of various types of materials without departing from the scope of the invention.

That which is claimed is:

1. A container for storing a continuous length of relatively Iheavy flexible strip material and comprising, an outer carton and a spool mounted within said carton, said spool comprising a pair of flange members and a hub assembly positioned and engaged between said flange members, each flange member being of substantial thickness and having an inner surface with a socket-like recess formed therein opening to said inner surface and terminating in a bottom wall portion, said hub assembly including a pair of concentric, telescopically engaged sleeves, said sleeves being circular in cross-section with the inner sleeve being longer than the outer sleeve such that the ends thereof protrude beyond the ends of the outer sleeve to provide bearing surfaces, the opposite protruding ends of said inner sleeves each being non-rotatably disposed in a said socket-like recess with the end face thereof in abutment with the bottom wall portion of said recess and the bearing surfaces supported by the side wall of said recess, said outer sleeve being supported along the entire length thereof by said inner sleeve, and rotatable relative to said inner sleeve and said flange members to enable dispensing of strip material mounted thereon.

2. A container for storing a continuous length of relatively heavy flexible strip material and comprising, an outer carton and a spool mounted within said carton, said spool comprising a pair of flange members and a hub assembly positioned between and engaged with said flange members, each flange member having an inner surface with a socket-like recess formed therein to provide a support for the hub assembly, said hub assembly comprising a pair of concentric telescopically engaged sleeves, the inner sleeve being longer than the outer sleeve such that the ends of said inner sleeve protrude beyond the ends of the outer sleeve to provide bearing surfaces, said protruding ends of the inner sleeve being disposed in said socketlike recesses and engaged with said flange members in substantially non-rotative relationship, said outer sleeve adapted to receive the strip material and being rotatable relative to said inner sleeve and said flange members to enable dispensing of a quantity of said material, each flange member including tab means that extend beyond the inner surface of said member, said tab means being received in the opposite ends of the inner sleeve in rotation preventive engagement with the inner wall thereof.

3. A container as defined in claim 2 wherein at least one of said flange members is of multi-ply construction and formed from a blank, said blank including an inner section having an aperture formed therein, said inner section defining the inner surface of the flange member, and a pair of end sections, each corresponding in shape to at least a portion of the profile of said inner section, said tab means being provided on said end sections and positioned in said aperture and extending beyond the inner flange surface defined by said inner section.

4. A container for storing a continuous length of relatively heavy flexible strip material and comprising, an outer carton and a spool mounted within said carton, said spool comprising a pair of flange members and a hub assembly positioned between and engaged with said flange members, each flange member `having an inner surface with a socket-like recess formed therein to provide a Support for the hub assembly, said hub assembly comprising a pair of concentric telescopically engaged sleeves, the inner sleeve being longer than the outer sleeve such that the ends of said inner sleeve protrude beyond the ends of the outer sleeve to provide bearing surfaces, said protruding ends of the inner sleeve being disposed in said socketlike recesses and engaged with said flange members in substantially non-rotative relationship, said outer slee-ve adapted to receive the strip material and being rotatable relative to said inner sleeve and said flange members to enable dispensing of a quantity of said material, the protruding ends of said inner sleeve including tab elements, and the inner surface of each flange member being provided with correspondingly shaped partial recesses adjacent said socket-like recess for receiving said tab elements to enhance the non-rotative engagement between the inner sleeve and the flange members.

5. A container for storing a continuous length of relatively heavy flexible strip material and comprising, an outer carton and a spool mounted within said carton, said spool comprising a pair of flange members and a hub assembly positioned and engaged between said flange members, said hub assembly including a pair of concentric telescopically engaged sleeves, said sleeves being circular in cross-section with the inner sleeve being longer than the outer sleeve such that the ends thereof protrude beyond the ends of the outer sleeve to provide bearing surfaces, each flange member having an inner surface and a socket-like recess formed therein with the bottom of each recess defining abutment means, the opposite protruding ends of said inner sleeve being closely received in said socket-like recesses and in engagement with said abutment means to support said inner sleeve and substantially prevent rotation therebetween, said outer sleeve being supported along the entire length thereof by said inner sleeve and rotatable relative to said inner sleeve and said flange members to enable dispensing of strip material mounted thereon, at least one of said flange members being of multi-ply construction and formed from a blank, said blank comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected sections, including an apertured inner section which defines the inner surface of said member and at least a portion of said socket-like recess, and an outer end section corresponding in shape to the profile of said inner section, said outer end section being `free from any aperture corresponding to the aperture in said inner section whereby upon assembly said outer section cooperates to define said abutment means.

6. A spool for use in a container for storing a continuous length of relatively heavy flexible strip material, said spool comprising a pair of flange members and a hub assembly positioned and engaged between said flange members, each flange member being of substantial thickness and having an inner surface with a socket-like recess formed therein opening to said inner surface and terminating in a bottom Wall portion, said hub assembly including a pair of concentric, telescopically engaged sleeves, said sleeves being circular in cross-section with the inner sleeve being longer than the outer sleeve such that the ends thereof protrude beyond the ends of the outer sleeve to provide bearing surfaces, the opposite protruding ends of said inner sleeves each being non-rotatably disposed in a said socket-like recess with the end face thereof in abutment with the bottom wall portion of said recess and the bearing surfaces supported by the side wall of said recess, said outer sleeve being supported along the entire length thereof by said inner sleeve, and rotatable relative to said inner sleeve and said flange members to enable dispensing of strip material mounted thereon,

7. A spool for use in a container for storing a continuous length of relatively heavy flexible strip material, said spool comprising a pair of flange members and a hub assembly posoitioned between and engaged with said flange members, each flange member having an inner surface with a socket-like recess formed therein to provide a support for the hub assembly, said hub assembly comprising a pair of concentric telescopically engaged sleeves, the inner sleeve being longer than the outer sleeve such that the ends of said inner sleeve protrude beyond the ends of the outer sleeve to provide bearing surfaces, said protruding ends of the inner sleeve being disposed in said socket-like recesses and engaged with said flange members in substantially non-rotative relationship, said outer sleeve adapted to receive the strip material and being rotatable relative to said inner sleeve and said flange members to enable dispensing of a quantity of said material, each flange member including tab means that extend beyond the inner surface of said member, said tab means being received in the opposite ends of the inner sleeve in rotation preventive engagement with the inner wall thereof.

8. A spool as defined in claim 7 wherein at least one of said flange members is of multi-ply construction and formed from a blank, said blank including an inner section having an aperture lformed therein, said inner section defining the inner surface of the flange member, and a pair of end sections, each corresponding in shape to at least a portion of the profile of said inner section, said tab means being provided on said end sections and positioned in said aperture and extending beyond the inner flange surface defined by said inner section.

9. A spool for use in a container for storing a continuous length of relatively heavy flexible strip material, said spool comprising a pair of flange members and a hub assembly positioned between and engaged with said flange members, each flan-ge member having an inner surface with a socket-like recess formed therein to provide a support for the hub assembly, said hub assembly comprising a pair of concentric telescopically engaged sleeves, the inner sleeve being longer than the outer sleeve such that the ends of said inner sleeve protrude beyond the ends of the outer sleeve to provide bearing surfaces, said protruding ends of the inner sleeve being disposed in said socket-like recesses and engaged wit-h said flange members in substantially non-rotative relationship, said outer sleeve adapted to receive the strip material and being rotatable relative to said inner sleeve and said flange members to enable dispensing of a quantity of said material, the protruding ends of said inner sleeve including tab elements, and the inner surface of each flange member being provided with correspondingly shaped partial recesses adjacent said socket-like recess for receiving said tab elements to enhance the non-rotative engagement between the inner sleeve and the flange members.

10. A spool for use in a container Ifor storing a continuous length of relatively heavy flexible strip material, said spool comprising a pair of flange members and a hub assembly positioned and engaged between said flange members, said -hub assembly including a pair of concentric telescopically engaged sleeves, said sleeves being circular in cross-section with the inner sleeve being longer than the outer sleeve such that the ends thereof protrude beyond the ends of the outer sleeve to provide bearing surfaces, each flange member having an inner surface and a socket-like recess formed therein with the bottom of each recess defining abutment means, the opposite protruding ends of said inner sleeve being closely received in said socket-like recesses and in engagement with said abutment means to support said inner sleeve and substantially prevent rotation therebetween, said outer sleeve being supported along the entitre length thereof by said inner sleeve and rotatable relative to said inner sleeve and said flange members to enable dispensing of strip material mounted thereon, at least one of said flange members being of multi-ply construction and formed from a blank, said blank comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected sections, including ran apertured inner section which denes the inner surface of said ,member and at least a portion of said socket-like recess, and an outer end section corresponding in shape to the profile of said inner section, said outer end section being `free from any aperture corresponding to the aperture in said inner section whereby upon assembly said outer section cooperates to define said abutment means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,591,576 4/1952 McCormick 206-52 2,799,458 7/1957 Nye 242-1183 3,051,306 8/1962 Lowe et al. i 206-52 3,059,765 10/ 1962 Eifrid 242-1 18.8 X 3,088,692 5/1963 McGlaughlin 242-118.8 X 3,184,053 5/1965 Eldridge 242-118r61 X GEORGE F. MAUTZ, Primary Examiner. 

